Urban adaptation in Anopheles mosquitoes

Anopheles gambiae, and its sibling species An. coluzzii, are responsible for more than 90% of human malaria parasites transmission in Africa (Mouchet et al 2004). Their deadly epidemiological success directly roots in their extraordinary ecological plasticity. Until recently, their prolific environmental adaptation capacity was thought to be directly associated to rural habitats across the continent. However, both species are now able to proliferate in urban habitats.

We are currently investigating the genetic basis of urban adaptation in Anopheles mosquitoes.